IND vs SA Preview | Reigning Test champions look to breach final frontier at Eden Gardens

For nearly the last decade, India entered a series with a clear plan: leverage home advantage and traditional spin-friendly conditions to the extreme. However, the last two years have seen a return to traditional Indian wickets, with a focus on building strong first-innings totals before they begin to rag. Led by Shubman Gill, the batting unit is anchored by experienced campaigners Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant behind the stumps, providing both depth and stability in the middle order. The pace attack, featuring Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, will aim to exploit early morning conditions, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja could dominate as the pitch deteriorates.

South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, arrived with a balanced squad combining pace and spin. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen lead the bowling charge, supported by Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer in the spin department. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi are expected to anchor the innings at the top and middle order, while Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton provide flexibility to accelerate scoring when required.

With both teams having players capable of match-turning contributions, the toss will play a crucial role in determining strategy for Day 1.

Form Guide

After a mixed summer in England, India has rediscovered form with consecutive wins against West Indies at home. The top-order stability and effective spin combinations have been key in red-ball performances.

The Proteas have been largely dominant in recent Tests, showing resilience both at home and abroad with their latest endevaour in Pakistan ending one apiece. Strong performances by their pace duo and effective spin strategy have kept them competitive in diverse conditions.

India: L D W W W

South Africa: W W W L W

India vs South Africa Head-to-Head

India and South Africa have a long history of competitive Test encounters since 1992. Across all Tests played, India have won 16 matches, while South Africa have claimed 18 victories. Recent series have shown South Africa’s adaptability in overseas conditions, whereas India have historically leveraged home tracks and spin-friendly pitches to their advantage. This first Test at Eden Gardens is expected to follow similar trends, with toss and pitch reading likely influencing early strategies.

India 16-18 South Africa

Pitch and Weather

Eden Gardens traditionally offers a balanced pitch: early assistance for pacers through moisture and seam, followed by turn for spinners as the match progresses. The outfield is one of quickest in the country, allowing well-timed shots to bring rewards, while uneven bounce could test batters’ technique.

Accuweather forecasts for November 14 indicate mostly sunny conditions, with daytime highs around 28°C and humidity near 60-70%. Morning sessions may provide some swing for the pacers, but conditions are expected to ease for batters as the day warms. Toss-winning captains might consider batting first to exploit fresh conditions and set a competitive first-innings total before spinners take charge.

Team News

India have named a settled squad with no major injuries reported. Shubman Gill will lead the batting lineup with support from Jaiswal and Rahul. Rishabh Pant returns as wicketkeeper-batter, and the bowling attack is anchored by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja offering spin options.

South Africa bring a balanced squad led by Temba Bavuma. Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Temba Bavuma form the batting core, with the pace department spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Spin options include Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, and wicketkeeping duties are covered by Kyle Verreyne.

India (Probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa (Probable XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreyne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada

Broadcasting Platforms

The Test will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India and streamed digitally via JioHotstar. International audiences can tune in via SuperSport (South Africa) or regional broadcasters offering coverage of World Test Championship fixtures.